Seven business jets on the horizon

In today’s global business environment, more and more customers are preferring larger, long-range and ultra-long-range aircraft. Newly launched aircraft programs, or those currently in development, are almost exclusively catering to the rising demand for wide-body models.

The desirability of an ultra-long-range model is evident from its name. These aircraft are desirable tools to facilitate our increasingly globalized world of business.

So, which of these aircraft are worth considering for your next purchase? Here’s a preview of seven new jets scheduled to enter the market within the next five years…

Gulfstream G500, delivered September 2018

The first G500 delivered on 27 September, 2018. Announced to the public in 2014, it seats up to 19 passengers (the same as the much-loved G450), but has a cruising speed of 561mph and a top speed of 710mph, far surpassing the model it replaces. On a full tank, its range peaks at 5,200nm – 19% farther than the G450 – meaning the G500 can fly nonstop from San Francisco to Tokyo, or LA to London.

Gulfstream G600, expected 2018

The second of Gulfstream’s new twin-engine business jets is due for certification in Q4 2018 and entry into service in early 2019. The G600 is the larger, longer-range one of the pair. Heading to its European debut at EBACE this year, the G600 made the journey from Savannah, Ga., to Geneva while traveling at an average speed of 691mph, setting a city-pair record between the two cities. It has a top range of 6,500nm and seats up to 19 passengers. In both the G500 and G600, cabin comfort is class-leading, with extensive personalization options and signature oval Gulfstream windows that flood the cabin with natural light.

Bombardier Global 7500, expected 2018

Rebranded from the Global 7000 thanks to its better-than-expected performance in the air, the Global 7500 is the largest and longest-range business jet in the 19-seat sector, capable of flying 7,700nm with a top speed of 710mph. The manufacturer made waves earlier this year with the launch of the ‘Nuage’ seat (French for cloud). The Nuage is touted as the first major reinvention of a business aircraft seat in 30 years, and the industry’s first ‘deep recline’ seat – arguably a necessary adjustment in cabin design, given the 16hr flights now on offer. Along with extra comfort, the cabin will also boast extra space with a four section cabin, making it the largest purpose built private jet ever produced.

Bombardier Global 5500, expected 2019

Set to reshape expectations with the widest-in-class cabin, longest range, new purpose-built Rolls-Royce Pearl engine and leading-edge wing technology, the Global 5500 is due to enter service at the of 2019. Bombardier unveiled the new addition during EBACE earlier this year, the 5500 has a class-leading range of just under 6,560 miles, 575 miles greater than the Global 5000. In addition to the extra range, the 5500 will offer as much as 13% better fuel efficient than its predecessor. The aircraft will have a top speed of 594mph and feature the smoothest ride which is the hallmark of the Global models.

Bombardier Global 6500, expected 2019

Similar to the new 5500, the 6500 boasts wide-open living spaces, refined interior design, new purpose-built Rolls-Royce Pearl engine and leading-edge wing technology. The 6500 has an impressive range of 6,600 nautical miles, reaching a top speed of 594mph. The 6500 has better hot and short-runway performances and will be able to fly from Mexico to Spain nonstop. The new aircraft also has a brand-new interior, using technology from its upcoming Global 7500. Passengers will have the Nuage seat, a lounge chair that converts into a flat surface for sleeping or for banquet-style dining at a table, the 5500 also debuts the Nuage seat.

Cessna Citation Longitude, expected 2018

The Citation Longitude has been anticipated for some time, and the aircraft’s clean-sheet design and fully customizable cabin make it an attractive contender in the long-range sector. With a capacity of eight to 12, a maximum range of 3,500nm and a top speed of 548mph, the Longitude is the smallest jet on this list, but with the announcement in April that production has paused on the longer-range Citation Hemisphere, the Longitude is Textron Aviation’s most exciting upcoming launch.

Dassault Falcon 6X, expected 2022

The Falcon 6X, which Dassault describes as the most spacious, advanced and versatile twinjet in business aviation, was only announced back in February. Sitting in the middle of this list in terms of range, the 5,500nm aircraft is largely based on the 5X’s aerodynamics and system features, though it boasts a new engine to allow for extra range and a larger cabin. The cabin is six feet, six inches high and eight feet, six inches wide – the highest and widest cross section in a purpose built business jet. It has a top speed of 690mph, and seats up to 19 passengers in the spacious, airy cabin, replete with skylight.

If you’re looking to invest in a long-range or ultra-long-range jet, please get in touch.

Jetcraft’s 2017 10-year Market Forecast predicted the Large Jet category (comprising the Super Large, ULR and Converted Airliners segments) would account for more than 63% of total revenue for new deliveries from 2017- 2026. We will release our updated forecast later this month. Click here to download the most recent Market Forecast and to subscribe to our News Email List to be notified when the new forecast is released.

All file photos are courtesy of the manufacturers.